Crimping Conundrum

[22OnUp]

I need some expert advice... I am loading 9mm and 45ACP with cast bullets (125g LRN and 200g LSWC respectfully). My focus is target shooting. I am currently using a slight taper crimp but have been wondering if there is any advantage in replacing the taper crimp with a Lee Factory Crimp die????? Some posts that I have read claim that the FCD swages a cast bullet which is not desirable, others say its the best thing since sliced bread and helps to size the round so it chambers (which I currently have no problem with)???? Any helpful advice as to whether I should be using a FCD and why (or why not) would be most appreciated.

Thanks guys!!!

[Xringshooter]

I have a Lee factory crimp die for my 9mm and a regular taper crimp die for my 45acp. I can't much see any difference and both chamber and feed well. If you currently have a taper crimp die, and everything is working ok, I wouldn't go out and buy a FCD.

[Farbmeister]

Crimping is for one PRIMARY reason:

Normalize start pressure.

preventing bullet setback etc is a side benefit.

A .45ACP should not have any crimp as the mouth is what headspaces the cartridge.

[Brick]

There is nothing wrong with a TAPER CRIMP on either 9mm Luger or .45 ACP or any other cartridge intended for use in semi auto handguns. To be avoided is the ROLL CRIMP type used on revolver cartridges. So as long as you're using the correct taper crimp die there is no advantage to switching to the factory crimp die.

[Lycanthrope]

Just take the bell out of the casing. Don't crimp into the bullet at all.

LycanusesFCDandtaperthrope

[Bama Man]

Amen, Lycanthorpe.
All rimless, shoulderless, pistol ammo headspaces on the case.
I found by my own stupid mistake, that even a small amount of crimp may allow the case to be forced into the chamber enough to misfire.
Like Lycanthorpe said, just crimp the bell off the case.

[Kaos]

Just take the bell out of the casing. Don't crimp into the bullet at all.

LycanusesFCDandtaperthrope

So what's the deal with .223 loading, anything special to look out for on crimping?

[Lycanthrope]

So what's the deal with .223 loading, anything special to look out for on crimping?

Crimp is not what stops bullet setback. A good resize does.

Even in an AR I don't overcrimp and I don't experience setback. I have used a Lee Factory Crimp Die in .223 but I find it more valuable in terms of taking the bulge out of the casing base (which can lock the gun up tight) than to make a foolproof crimp.

Lycanmicyourloadsthrope

[22OnUp]

Thank you for the feedback. Does not sound like the Lee FCD will buy me much for 9mm or 45. I'll keep doing the small Lycantakethebelloutthrope taper crimp!
Thanks again guys!
Kerry

[Farbmeister]

No, you are not understanding the difference on the crimp types.

The Lee Pistol Factory Crimp Die for a .45ACP DOES NOT TAPER OR ROLL CRIMP. It WILL RESIZE the outside diameter to the correct one.

It will not bend/turn the case, just push it through a hole (aka sizing die) and squish (crimp) it to a standard size.

The Lee Rifle Crimp die does the same thing (the bullet need no cannuelar (spelling?). Go to Lees web site or youtube a look up lee factory crimp die.